Dennis Denning, who led St. Thomas (Minnesota) to its second Division III Baseball Championship title last spring, announced his retirement, effective February 1. Denning, who also coached the Tommies to a title in 2001 and runner-up finishes in 1999 and 2000, finishes with a 522-157 record through 15 seasons at the school. In 2000, Denning’s squad became only the third American professional or collegiate team to visit Cuba during Fidel Castro’s rule, playing two games against the University of Havana.

Other transactions

Athletics director – Joan Sitterly announced her retirement at Cortland State, effective February 23, 2010. Associate AD Mike Urtz will serve in the position on an interim basis beginning January 1.

Coaches

Men’s basketball – Darrin Horn received a contract extension through the 2014-15 season at South Carolina, where he is in his sixth year as head coach.

Cross country – Patrick Hager named men’s and women’s coach at Rosemont. The former Messiah cross country student-athlete previously coached at Elizabethtown (Pennsylvania) High School.

Football – South Carolina extended Steve Spurrier’s contract through the 2013 season. He is completing his fifth year at the school.

Football assistant – Paul Petrino hired as offensive coordinator at Illinois after serving in the same post at Arkansas.

Soccer – Russell Payne selected as head men’s coach at Army. He has been an assistant for five years at Maryland, where he helped lead the Terrapins to Division I titles in 2005 and 2008.

Softball – Todd Bradley named head coach at Incarnate Word after three seasons at Pfeiffer, where his teams compiled an 83-67 record and an appearance in the Division II Softball Championship. Pfeiffer assistant Jessica Clack, who played at Greensboro, will succeed Bradley.